Visa — eVisitor & ETA
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss need a visa for Australia — but there are no embassy appointments, everything is done online and is straightforward.
Two Options
- eVisitor (Subclass 651): For EU citizens (including Germany, Austria). Free, apply online via the Australian immigration website. Approval usually within 24 hours. Valid for 12 months, multiple entries, maximum 3 months per stay. For tourism and business trips.
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, Subclass 601): For non-EU citizens (e.g., Swiss). Apply via the Australian ETA App. Cost: 20 AUD. Same conditions as eVisitor.
Important
- The visa is electronically linked to the passport — no sticker, no document. The airline checks at check-in.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): For 18–30-year-olds (Germans up to 35). 1-year stay + work permit. 640 AUD. Very popular — Australia is the #1 destination for Work & Travel.
- Entry with criminal records can cause problems — clarify in advance if unsure.
- Biosecurity: Australia has the strictest import controls in the world. DO NOT bring fresh food, plants, wood, soil, or animal products. Declare everything! Penalties are severe (up to 420,000 AUD) and the sniffer dogs at the airport are incorruptible.
Achtung
Australia's biosecurity is no joke: Declare EVERYTHING on the entry card (even if you're unsure). Undeclared food leads to instant fines from 420 AUD. Even packaged snacks, nuts, and dirty hiking boots can be confiscated.